Our last words carry weight. You feel it at these moments:

• Upon leaving a locker room and entering the field or the court
• When heading off to war
• When reading the last page of an autobiography
• Upon breathing your last breath

Let's note crucified Jesus's last recorded words. His final, three-word self-talk is loaded. Here's what we see:

CLOSURE: The word “finished” implies completion, a mission accomplished. Jesus saw His sin-bearing, saving work as fully done. We should too.

The end of our trying to save ourselves, fix ourselves has come. Atonement is accomplished. Case closed. Hallelujah for that!

CONFIDENCE: Jesus's last-breathed sentence exudes confidence. He leaves no room for hesitation or compromise in those last three words. They were just right.

The mission was supremely hard, but well done. A special confidence always comes when we fulfill our Father's mission. Hallelujah for that!

CONTINUATION: Jesus said “IT” is finished, not “I” am finished. There's a big difference between the two. Jesus continues to play an active role. His atoning work is done, but He's not.

His interceding, preparing, resurrection-empowering, perfecting-Himself-in-us work rolls on. The seat Jesus has taken at the right hand of His Father is an active seat, not a passive one, a bench not a bleacher, a throne not a couch. Hallelujah for that!

Reflect: Are you finished trying to save yourself? Have you settled your need of righteousness exclusively through Him (check out Titus 3:5)? Is the confidence of Christ rubbing off on you (check out Romans 8:1)?

Are you continuing on with Christ (Check out Philippians 1:6)?

A prayer to consider: Lord Jesus, Your last crucified words give me such life. They are powerful sweetness to me. Thank You for bringing closure to my condemnation and for bringing confidence to me.

I bask in Your continued commitment to conform me to Your image. Keep rubbing off on me, Jesus. O, how I love You and need You, Lord! Amen.